Seasons of the Blue Pearl

by Nicholas Varner

Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy

ISBN: 978-1039160163

Print Length: 288 pages

Publisher: Friesen Press

 Earthly, imaginative, dark—Seasons of the Blue Pearl is a song to save the world.

“Seasons of the Blue Pearl” by Nicholas Varner takes readers on a perilous and immersive adventure through desert landscapes and changing seasons. In this young adult fantasy, Mia, initially unaware of the dangers lurking in her world, discovers the dark and magical truth beyond her sheltered existence. As she ventures into unknown lands, Mia becomes entwined in a quest to save the world from an evil ogre named Clah.

This dark YA fantasy embraces fear and doesn’t shy away from scaring its readers. Mia narrowly escapes demons and journeys to a legendary land to uncover the steps necessary to thwart Clah’s plans. The stakes are high as Mia must sing a magical song, word for word and uninterrupted, in the antagonist’s world. Failure to do so would result in Clah’s domination of her world, with little hope of returning. With demons hot on her heels and her family risking their lives, Mia shoulders the weight of responsibility in a race against time.

What sets “Seasons of the Blue Pearl” apart is its willingness to explore the darker aspects of young adult fantasy. Author Nicholas Varner vividly describes the demons, ensuring their haunting images remain etched in readers’ minds. Fans of horror stories will feel catered to as they delve into this spine-tingling tale. The author’s attention to detail brings the demons to life, especially when they unexpectedly rain down from the sky.

However, the novel’s standout aspect lies in its portrayal of the natural world. The wind takes on a vital role, almost like a deity, with its purposeful and occasionally violent presence. Each gust of wind serves as a reminder of the planet’s power and the importance of listening to its voice.

“The voice of the Sacred Wind has always been there, weaving its magic through all the world around her, but she had covered her ears to the sound of its voice. It took the encounter with the demons to get her to listen.”

While “Seasons of the Blue Pearl” offers an engaging experience, it occasionally suffers from slow pacing. At times, the story meanders through pages of dialogue and physical movement without significant plot advancement, which can make it feel unnecessarily long.

Overall, “Seasons of the Blue Pearl” presents a captivating and atmospheric young adult fantasy that will particularly appeal to readers with a taste for darkness and horror elements. It follows a familiar yet enjoyable storyline, centering on a protagonist who discovers her special role in shaping the fate of the world. Unique elements, such as terrifying demons and a profound reverence for the celestial blue pearl, add depth to the narrative. Despite occasional pacing issues, this novel is a worthwhile read for young fantasy enthusiasts seeking an epic adventure with a touch of horror.